Gunnar Pedersen, a long-time head of the Dairy Producers Co-operative of Saskatchewan and former chair of the National Dairy Council of Canada, died earlier this month in Kamloops, B.C., after a long battle with cancer.
He was 76 years old.
Pedersen was known among dairy producers and processors for his innovative approaches to improving the quality of dairy products and for enhancing production methods.
He was born in 1928 and grew up on a farm near Star City, Sask., before moving to Saskatoon to study agriculture.
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In 1952, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in dairy science.
After graduation, he took a job as a milk quality inspector with the government of Saskatchewan and later joined the Saskatchewan Co-operative Creamery Association.
By 1969 he was a branch manager with the association and by 1972 he was named general manager of the Dairy Producers Co-operative.
Pedersen was a central figure in the Saskatchewan dairy sector at a time when the industry was experiencing significant change.
He was manager of Dairy Producers during the implementation of supply management and he also played a key consultative role in the design and construction of Dairy Producers’ plants in Saskatoon and Regina.
Wendy Kelly, executive director of Dairy Farmers of Saskatchewan, said Pedersen will be remembered for his lasting contributions in all areas of the industry, from policymaking and marketing to quality control and on-farm production.
“Gunnar had a broad interest in all aspects of the business,” said Kelly, who is preparing Pedersen’s biography in support of his nomination to the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame.
“He was a real innovator and he had tremendous vision. He was way ahead of his time when it came to thinking about the future of the industry and developing strategies for the industry.”
Pedersen was also admired for his outstanding work ethic and his tireless dedication to improving the dairy business.
“I don’t think anyone could have met his commitment to the industry or the time he invested in his career,” Kelly said.
Outside of work, he volunteered with various community organizations including Regina Exhibition Park, the Regina Chamber of Commerce and the Saskatchewan Roughriders football club.
Pedersen and his wife Agnes moved to Kamloops in the early 1990s.
He died Sept. 1.
